LONESOME George, the world鈥檚 last remaining Pinta Island tortoise, is doubtless oblivious to the drama unfolding around him. But a stand-off between fishermen and researchers in the Galapagos Islands is threatening his very existence.
Some 200 fishermen have blockaded the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz island, preventing staff from entering. Other scientists are holed up, fearing that if they leave, George and the other animals kept for conservation or breeding programmes will go hungry.
The fishermen are protesting at fishing quotas imposed by the Ecuadorian government, which administers the islands. The quotas will restrict catches of sea cucumbers, prized by diners in the Far East. On Monday the fishermen stopped eight tourist boats from visiting Espa帽ola Island. In March, they threatened to release goats onto the islands, and research staff have had Molotov cocktails thrown at them.
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鈥淲e are still waiting to see their full list of demands,鈥� says Leonor Stjepic, director of the Galapagos Conservation Trust in London. She says the dispute could be resolved by the Joint Management Participatory Board, a Galapagos forum in which all parties have a say in setting fishing quotas. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a democratic, decision-making process that鈥檚 available,鈥� she says. 鈥淭here鈥檚 no reason to take action that harms people and the environment.鈥�